Flush valve device of flush toilet

ABSTRACT

A flush valve device  20  of a flush toilet includes a flush valve body  22  connected to a city water source and an operation unit  50 . The operation unit  50  has an operation button  63  and a flexible inner cable  71 , which is part of a cable mechanism  70 . The inner cable  71  is extended from a rear side to a lateral side of a toilet body  12  and is linked with the operation button  63 . In response to a press of the operation button  63 , the flush valve body  22  opens to make a supply of washing water flown into the toilet body  12 . This arrangement desirably increases the degree of freedom in positioning of the flush valve body and the operation unit, enhances the operability of the flush valve device  20 , and effectively facilitates installation of the flush valve device  20.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a flush valve device of a flushtoilet and more specifically pertains to an operation unit and aninstallation mechanism.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A prior art flush valve device is disclosed, for example, inJAPANESE PATENT LAID-OPEN GAZETTE No. 11-324061. FIG. 32 illustrates arear portion of a flush toilet with a prior art flush valve devicemounted thereon. As shown in FIG. 32, a flush valve device 310 connectedto a city water source is located in the rear portion of a flush toilet300. The flush valve device 310 includes a flush valve body 312 and anoperation unit 320 that is used to open and close the flush valve body312. The flush valve body 312 has a main valve to open and close a mainwater conduit and a pilot valve to lower the water pressure in a backpressure chamber and thereby open the main valve. The operation unit 320functions to incline a driving rod of the pilot valve, so that a supplyof washing water is flown into the flush toilet 300. The operation unit320 has a rotating handle 322 and a transmission member 324 that isformed as an axis and rotates along its axial center with a rotation ofthe rotating handle 324 to transmit an operating force. In response to arotation of the rotating handle 324, the flush valve body 312 is openedvia the transmission member 324 to make a supply of washing water flowninto the flush toilet 300.

[0003] In order to transmit the rotational force to the flush valve body312, the rotating handle 322 should be located on a lateral side of theflush valve body 312. This undesirably lowers the degree of freedom inpositioning of the flush valve body 312 and the rotating handle 322. Therestricted positions of the rotating handle 304 and the flush valve body312 may lower the operability of the flush valve device 310 and makeinstallation of the flush valve device 310 rather troublesome.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The object of the present invention is thus to solve thedrawbacks of the prior art technique and to provide a flush valve deviceof a flush toilet that has the increased degree of freedom inpositioning of a flush valve body and an operation unit and the enhancedoperability and allows for easy installation and maintenance.

[0005] The object of the present invention is also to provide means thatallows for easy setting of a flush valve device without any damage evenwhen a fixation wall or a wall fixation frame has a dimensional error.

[0006] In order to attain at least part of the above and the otherrelated objects, the present invention is directed to a flush valvedevice of a flush toilet, which includes: a flush valve body having: amain valve that is disposed in a main water conduit to open and closethe main water conduit; a pilot valve that presses the main valve in aclosing direction and parts a back pressure chamber; and a driving rodthat is attached to the pilot valve, where the driving rod is inclinedto lower water pressure in the back pressure chamber and thereby openthe main valve; and a manual operation unit that functions to open thepilot valve. A supply of washing water is flown into a toilet inresponse to an operation of the manual operation unit.

[0007] The manual operation unit includes: a flexible transmissionmember; an operation button that is pushed up and down in response to apressing operation; an operating force conversion mechanism that iscoupled with one end of the transmission member and converts anoperating force generated by a pressing operation of the operationbutton into a tensile force of pulling the transmission member; and atilting mechanism that is coupled with the other end of the transmissionmember and moves to incline the driving rod in response to a pull of thetransmission member.

[0008] In the flush valve device of the present invention, in responseto a pressing operation of the operation button included in theoperation unit, the operating force conversion mechanism converts theoperating force generated by the pressing operation into a tensile forceof pulling the transmission member. The converted tensile force opensthe pilot valve and the main valve of the flush valve body to make asupply of washing water from the main water conduit flown into the flushtoilet.

[0009] Conversion of the operating force generated by the pressingoperation of the operation button into the tensile force of pulling thetransmission member enables the thin flexible transmission member to belaid out over a long distance without causing any buckle. The operationbutton may thus be located at a position apart from the flush valvebody. This desirably increases the degree of freedom in positioning ofthe operation button. For example, the operation button may be locatedon a lateral side of the flush toilet. This arrangement enables the userto wash the flush toilet without turning around, thus ensuring theenhanced operability.

[0010] The operation unit is a push type with an operation button. Theoperating element of the operation button is extended only slightly fromthe bathroom wall, while the conventional operating lever is extended toa significant height. This structure prevents the operation button frombeing readily damaged due to frequent, rough actions.

[0011] In one preferable embodiment of the transmission member, whole orpart of the transmission member is a wire that is bendable and transmitsthe operating force in a bended state, for example, a wire made of ametal. The operation button can thus be located at a position apart fromthe flush valve body. In this embodiment, it is preferable that thetransmission member is coated with a cover member that supports thetransmission member in a slidable manner. Such coating enables thetransmission member to work effectively without any interference withother members.

[0012] In accordance with one preferable application of the flush valvedevice, the operation button and the flush valve body are arrangedsubstantially perpendicular to a center of the flush toilet, and thetransmission member is bent and arranged at substantially right anglesto couple the operation button with the flush valve body.

[0013] One preferable embodiment of the operating force conversionmechanism uses a spring that restores the operation button, which hasbeen subjected to the pressing operation, to an original positionthereof. This simple structure enables the operation button to berestored to its original state.

[0014] The operating force conversion mechanism of this embodiment mayfurther include a slide member that pulls the transmission member in asliding direction. The slide member has an inclined plane to convert theoperating force of the operation button into a moving force in adirection substantially perpendicular to a direction of the operatingforce.

[0015] Diverse structures may preferably be applied to the tiltingmechanism according to the structure of the flush valve body and thelayout of the operation button:

[0016] (1) The tilting mechanism has an engagement member that engageswith the driving rod and thereby inclines the driving rod in response toa pull of the transmission member.

[0017] (2) The tilting mechanism has: a pressure bar that presses andthereby inclines the driving rod; and a pressing force conversion memberthat converts a tensile force of the transmission member into a force ofpressing the driving rod.

[0018] (3) The tilting mechanism has a rotary member that has one endsupported in a pivotally rotatable manner and the other end coupled withthe transmission member and applies a pressing force to the pressure barin response to a tensile force of the transmission member.

[0019] (4) The tilting mechanism has a coupling board that is arrangedto move in parallel in an identical direction with a forward-backwardmoving direction of the pressure bar and applies a pressing force to thepressure bar in response to a tensile force of the transmission member.

[0020] (5) The tilting mechanism has a swing lever that has one endsupported in a swinging manner and the other end coupled with thetransmission member and applies a pressing force to the pressure bar inresponse to a tensile force of the transmission member.

[0021] The tilting mechanism may further include a spring that presses apressure bar against a moving force of the pressure bar in response to apull of the transmission member and restores the pressure bar to anoriginal position thereof when the tensile force is released. Thisarrangement enables the pressure bar to be readily restored to itsoriginal position.

[0022] In accordance with another preferable application of the flushvalve device, the tilting mechanism is constructed to enable the mainvalve and the pilot valve to be unfixed while the tilting mechanism isattached to the flush valve member. This facilitates cleaning andmaintenance of the main valve, the pilot valve, a filter disposed in theflush valve body, and other elements.

[0023] It is preferable that the operation button subjected to thepressing operation has an operating face that is formed to a concavecurve around the shape of a finger. This structure fits the finger andthus ensures the favorable operability.

[0024] In one preferable embodiment of the present invention, the flushvalve device further includes: a partition wall that is arranged to facea bathroom across a space for receiving the flush valve body therein; awall fixation frame mounted on the partition wall; and a cover panelattached to the wall fixation frame to face the bathroom. In thisapplication, the manual operation unit is fixed to the wall fixationframe.

[0025] The flush valve body is located in the space defined by thebathroom and the partition wall and is protected from accidental andpurposeful touches and actions, which may cause failure.

[0026] In the flush valve device of this arrangement, the manualoperation unit and the transmission unit are readily exposed to thebathroom by simple detachment of the cover panel. This facilitatesmaintenance of the manual operation unit and the flush valve body. Themanual operation unit is fixed to the wall fixation frame. This ensureseasy removal of the cover panel without causing detachment of the manualoperation unit linked with the transmission member.

[0027] The partition wall may be any member that faces the bathroom todefine a parted space and conceals the flush valve body from thebathroom. For example, the partition wall may be a bathroom walloriginally constructed as part of the bathroom or a side wall of acabinet located in the bathroom.

[0028] In one preferable embodiment, the wall fixation frame has aninspection opening that is used for inspection of the flush valve body.This arrangement facilitates inspection of the flush valve body. Thewall fixation frame may be made of diverse materials based on thelocation of installation and other conditions. Resin molding of the wallfixation frame reduces the manufacturing cost, whereas metal molding ofthe wall fixation frame increases the strength.

[0029] As long as the cover panel is attachable to and detachable fromthe partition wall, the cover panel may be made of any suitable materialand may have any suitable shape. The cover panel is attached to the wallfixation frame, for example, by means of fastening members like screwsor by means of magnets. The magnets used for fastening the cover panelare not exposed to the bathroom and are thus protected from anyaccidental and purposeful touches and actions.

[0030] In one preferable application of this embodiment, the flush valvedevice is equipped with an auto water flow mechanism that detects ahuman body with a sensor to actuate the flush valve body, in addition tothe manual operation unit. In this structure, simple detachment of thecover panel allows for easy maintenance of the auto water flowmechanism, for example, repair of the sensor and replacement ofbatteries, in addition to the maintenance of the flush valve body.

[0031] In another preferable application of this embodiment, thepartition wall has fixation walls facing each other across a presetinterval, and the wall fixation frame has a substantially rectangularframe assembly including fixation frames arranged along the fixationwalls and joint frames used for joining the fixation frames with eachother, an opening defined by the frame assembly, and fixtures formed onthe fixation frames. The flush valve device further includes: frameclamps, each of which has a front piece and a side piece to be formed inan L shape and is used to fix the wall fixation frame to the fixationwall; first fasteners, each of which is used to fix the front piece tothe fixture at a changeable fixation position along the fixation wall;and second fasteners, each of which is used to fix the side piece closeto the fixation wall.

[0032] In this application, the wall fixation frame is fixed to thefixation walls facing each other across a preset interval. The wallfixation frame has a substantially rectangular frame assembly includingthe fixation frame and the joint frames. The frame assembly has anopening, which allows for inspection of various elements, for example,valves, of the flush toilet.

[0033] The wall fixation frames are fixed to the fixation walls at thepositions of the fixtures formed on the fixation frames by means of theframe clamps. Each of the frame clamps has a front piece and a sidepiece to be formed in an L shape. The front piece of each frame clamp isfixed to the fixture by means of the first fastener, while the sidepiece of the frame clamp is directly fixed to the fixation wall by meansof the second fastener. The frame clamp is designed to enable itsfixation position to be changed along the fixation wall. Changing thefixation position enables the frame clamp to be closely fixed to thefixation wall, even if there is a working error of the interval betweenthe facing fixation walls or there is a dimensional error of the frameassembly. The wall fixation frame is accordingly protected from anyextensive force and resulting damages in the process of fixing the frameclamps with the second fasteners, even if there is a working error ofthe fixation walls.

[0034] In one preferable embodiment of the wall fixation frame, each ofthe fixation frames has a notch in a periphery of the fixture to preventengagement of the second fastener with the fixation frame and to allowdirect attachment of the second fastener to the fixation wall. Thisstructure effectively protects the fixation frames from any extensiveforce of the second fasteners, when the second fasteners are attached tothe fixation walls via the notches. The notch is formed only in thevicinity of the fixture on the fixation frame. This structure does notsubstantially lower the mechanical strength of the fixation frames.

[0035] In one preferable structure, each of the fixtures formed on thewall fixation frame has a fixation recess to slide and position thefront piece of the frame clamp. This ensures accurate positioning of theframe clamps.

[0036] In one preferable structure, each of the first fasteners has ascrew and nut used to fix the front piece of the frame clamp to thefixture, and each of the frame clamps has a slot used to change theposition of the screw and thereby readily change the fixation position.Each of the second fasteners may have a screw that is screwed in thefixation wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037]FIG. 1 illustrates the periphery of a flush toilet 10 equippedwith a flush valve device in a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0038]FIG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating the periphery of a flushvalve body 22;

[0039]FIG. 3 shows a manual operation unit 50;

[0040]FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating a button unit 60;

[0041]FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a sliding mechanism 64;

[0042]FIG. 6 shows an operation of the button unit 60;

[0043]FIG. 7 shows an operation of the manual operation unit;

[0044]FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating a flush valve device 100 in asecond embodiment;

[0045]FIG. 9 is a front view illustrating the flush valve device 100 ina state of detachment of a cover panel 120;

[0046]FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a wall fixation frame110 prior to attachment to a bathroom wall WL by means of frame clamps131;

[0047]FIG. 11 is a sectional view illustrating the wall fixation frame110 attached to a side wall WLb of the bathroom wall WL by means of theframe clamps 131;

[0048]FIG. 12 is a front view illustrating the flush valve device 100;

[0049]FIG. 13 is a sectional view illustrating a cover panel 120 fixedto a nut fixation assembly 116 by means of Phillips head screws 130;

[0050]FIG. 14 is a view seen from the direction of an arrow 14 in FIG.13;

[0051]FIG. 15 is a side view illustrating the cover panel 120 in itsopen position;

[0052]FIG. 16 is a sectional view illustrating a flush valve body 141;

[0053]FIG. 17 is a sectional view illustrating an on-off solenoid valve150

[0054]FIG. 18 shows an auto water flow mechanism 161 attached to anupper rear face of the cover panel 120;

[0055]FIG. 19 is a horizontal sectional view illustrating the peripheryof a button unit of a manual operation unit;

[0056]FIG. 20 is a vertical sectional view illustrating the button unit;

[0057]FIG. 21 is a sectional view showing the button unit of FIG. 19prior to attachment to a button mounting bracket 118;

[0058]FIG. 22 is a sectional view showing the button unit of FIG. 19 ina pressed state;

[0059]FIG. 23 is a sectional view illustrating a tilting mechanism andits periphery;

[0060]FIG. 24 is a sectional view illustrating the tilting mechanism ina pressed state;

[0061]FIG. 25 is a sectional view illustrating another tilting mechanism180B in a first modified example;

[0062]FIG. 26 is a sectional view illustrating still another tiltingmechanism 180C in a second modified example;

[0063]FIG. 27 is a sectional view illustrating another tilting mechanism180D in a third modified example;

[0064]FIG. 28 shows an operation of the third modified example;

[0065]FIG. 29 is a front view illustrating a flush valve device 100E ina third embodiment;

[0066]FIG. 30 is a side view illustrating the flush valve device 100E;

[0067]FIG. 31 is a sectional view illustrating the periphery of a wallfixation frame 110E; and

[0068]FIG. 32 illustrates a rear portion of a flush toilet with a priorart flush valve device mounted thereon.

BEST MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A. First Embodiment

[0069]FIG. 1 illustrates the periphery of a flush toilet 10 equippedwith a flush valve device in a first embodiment of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 1, the flush toilet 10 has a toilet body 12including a bowl section 12 a. A toilet seat 16 is attached in anopenable and closable manner to the upper face of the bowl section 12 a.A cabinet 18 is located in the rear side of the toilet body 12, and aflush valve device 20 is disposed in the cabinet 18. The flush valvedevice 20 has a flush valve body 22 connected to a city water source andan operation unit 50 used to activate and operate the flush valve device20.

[0070]FIG. 2 is a sectional view illustrating the periphery of the flushvalve body 22. As shown in FIG. 2, the flush valve body 22 has a mainwater conduit 30 constructed inside a casing 28. A main valve 32 isdisposed in the main water conduit 30 to open and close the main waterconduit 30. Seating of the main valve 32 on a valve seat 34 disconnectsan upstream primary water conduit 30A from a downstream secondary waterconduit 30B. Separation of the main valve 32 from the valve seat 34, onthe other hand, connects the primary water conduit 30A with thesecondary water conduit 30B.

[0071] A back pressure chamber 36 is formed above the main valve 32. Thewater pressure in the back pressure chamber 36 applies a downwardpressing force to the main valve 32 to make the main valve 32 in contactwith the valve seat 34 in the normally state. Namely the main valve 32closes the main water conduit 30 in the normally state.

[0072] The main valve 32 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shapeand has an internal water chamber 38 connecting with the back pressurechamber 36. A pilot valve 40 received in the water chamber 38 functionsto open and close a communication path 42, which communicates the waterchamber 38 and the back pressure chamber 36 with the secondary waterconduit 30B of the main water conduit 30.

[0073] Seating the pilot valve 40 on a valve seat 44 via a gasket closesthe communication path 42. Upward separation of the pilot valve 40 fromthe valve seat 44, on the contrary, opens the communication path 42 tocommunicate the water chamber 38 and the back pressure chamber 36 withthe secondary water conduit 30B. The pilot valve 40 is usually presseddownward by means of a spring 46 received in the water chamber 38.

[0074] A driving rod 48 is extended downward from the lower face of thepilot valve 40. The driving rod 48 is inclined integrally with the pilotvalve 40. The pilot valve 40 and the driving rod 48 can wholly beinclined when an operating force is applied from any of 360 degreesabout the axial center in a direction perpendicular to the axis of thedriving rod 48.

[0075] In the flush valve device 20 of the above construction, theinclination of the pilot valve 40 opens the communication path 42 tomake the water (water pressure) in the water chamber 38 and the backpressure chamber 36 flown through the communication path 42 into thesecondary water conduit 30B.

[0076]FIG. 3 shows the manual operation unit 50. As illustrated in FIG.3, the manual operation unit 50 includes a button unit 60, a cablemechanism 70, and a coupling mechanism 80. In response to a manualoperation of the button unit 60, the manual operation unit 50 inclinesthe driving rod 48 via the cable mechanism 70 and the coupling mechanism80 to activate a washing operation of the flush valve body 22.

[0077]FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating the button unit 60. Asshown in FIG. 4, the button unit 60 includes a casing member 61 that isattached to a bathroom wall WL and has a storage chamber 61 a, a cover62 that covers over the periphery of an opening of the casing member 61and has a through hole 62 a, an operation button 63 that is fit in thethrough hole 62 a in a slidable manner and is movable by a pressingoperation, and a sliding mechanism 64 that applies a tensile force tothe cable mechanism 70 in response to a press of the operation button63.

[0078] The operation button 63 has an operating element 63 a that isextended and retreated relative to the cover 62, and an operatingprojection 63 b that is extended from the lower face of the operatingelement 63 a and is held in a support cylinder 61 b of the casing member61 in a slidable manner. A button-side inclined plane 63 c is formed onthe lower face of the operating projection 63 b, and a stopper piece 63d is disposed further below the button-side inclined plane 63 c.

[0079]FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the sliding mechanism64. The sliding mechanism 64 has a slide member 64 a, which is supportedon a guide lane 61 c formed in the casing member 61 in a slidablemanner. The slide member 64 a is constructed as a frame to receive theoperating projection 63 b perpendicularly inserted in a center thereof.One end of the slide member 64 a has a fixture 64 d to fix one end ofthe cable mechanism 70, while the other end of the slide member 64 aforms a slide-side inclined plane 64 c. The slide-side inclined plane 64c comes into close contact with the button-side inclined plane 63 c.

[0080] In the button unit 60 thus constructed, as shown in FIG. 6, inresponse to a press of the operating element 63 a, the button-sideinclined plane 63 c presses the slide-side inclined plane 64 c to movethe slide member 64 a leftward in the drawing against a tensile forcefrom the cable mechanism 70. When the pressing force applied to theoperating element 63 a is released, the slide member 64 a is restored toits original position (see FIG. 4) by the tensile force from the cablemechanism 70.

[0081] The cable mechanism 70 includes an inner cable 71 and an outercable 72 that covers the outer circumference of the inner cable 71 andis arranged substantially concentrically with the inner cable 71. Theinner cable 71 (transmission member) and the outer cable 72 arerespectively made of a flexible wire and a flexible pipe that are bentand laid out inside the wall of the bathroom.

[0082] One end of the outer cable 72 is fixed to a fixing end 61 d ofthe casing member 61 of the button unit 60. One end of the inner cable71 is fixed to the fixture 64 d of the sliding member 64 a. The innercable 71 is thus held movably in the outer cable 72.

[0083] The other end of the inner cable 71 is linked with the couplingmechanism 80 as shown in FIG. 3. The coupling mechanism 80 includes alink 81 attached to the other end of the inner cable 71 and a supportstructure 90 to support the link 81 relative to the flush valve body 22.

[0084] The link 81 includes a screw element 82 fixed to the other end ofthe inner cable 71, a plunger 83 screwed to the screw element 82, and anengagement ring 84 fixed to an end of the plunger 83. The engagementring 84 has a through hole 84 a, and the driving rod 48 passes throughthe through hole 84 a via a predetermined space.

[0085] The support structure 90 functions to fasten the other end of thecable mechanism 70 to the flush valve body 22 and includes a clamp 91, agasket 92, a joint cylinder 93, an outer cap 94, an inner cap 95,another gasket 96, and a spring 97.

[0086] The clamp 91 is screwed to a side opening 28 a of the casing 28via the gasket 92 and holds the joint cylinder 93 in an extended manner.The gasket 92 is held between a flange 90 a extended from the outercircumference of the support structure 90 and an end of the side opening28 a. The joint cylinder 93 has a connection aperture 93 a, whichreceives the plunger 83 fitted therein in a slidable manner. The outercap 94 is screwed to one end of the joint cylinder 93, while the innercap 95 is screwed to the other end of the joint cylinder 93. The outercap 94 has an aperture 94 a to receive the outer cable 72 passingtherethrough and fixes one end of the outer cable 72 with a nut 94 b.The inner cap 95 has an aperture 95 a to receive the plunger 83 passingtherethrough. The gasket 96 is located in the inner cap 95 to seal theplunger 83 from the inner cap 95. The spring 97 is disposed in theconnection aperture 93 a formed in the joint cylinder 93. The spring 97is spanned between the outer cap 94 and the plunger 83 to press theplunger 83 to a non-washing position. In response to a press of theoperation button 63 to pull the inner cable 71, this structure of thecoupling mechanism 80 causes the plunger 83 and the engagement ring 84to move against the pressing force of the spring 97 and thereby inclinethe driving rod 48 as shown in FIG. 7. When the pressing force appliedto the operation button 63 is released, on the contrary, the plunger 83and the engagement ring 84 are returned to the original position shownin FIG. 3 by the pressing force of the spring 97.

[0087] The flush valve device 20 carries out a series of washingoperations as discussed below. In the flush valve device 20, in responseto a press of the operation button 63, the pressing operational force istransmitted via the cable mechanism 70 to the engagement ring 84 of theflush valve body 22 shown in FIG. 2. The movement of the engagement ring84 inclines the driving rod 48 and thereby the pilot valve 40integrally.

[0088] The inclination of the pilot valve 40 opens the communicationpath 42, so that the water in the back pressure chamber 36 is flownthrough the communication path 42 into the secondary water conduit 30Bto lower the water pressure in the back pressure chamber 36. The watersupply pressure in the main water conduit 30 presses the main valve 32upward in FIG. 2 to open the main water conduit 30. A supply of washingwater is accordingly flown into the toilet body 12 to wash the bowlsection 12 a.

[0089] During the washing of the bowl section 12 a, the water in themain water conduit 30 is flown into the back pressure chamber 36 througha small aperture 45 formed in the side face of the main valve 32 togradually heighten the water pressure in the back pressure chamber 36.The heightened water pressure in the back pressure chamber 36 results inclosing the main valve 32 again to stop the supply of washing water.

[0090] The flush valve device 20 of this embodiment converts thepressing force of the operation button 63 into the tensile force ofpulling the inner cable 71 and thereby inclines the driving rod 48 ofthe flush valve body 22. Since the operational stroke of the operationbutton 63 is all converted into the force in the direction of pullingthe inner cable 71, the driving rod 48 can be inclined with a littleforce. This arrangement enables even an aged person or a person withlittle power to readily operate the flush valve device 20 by a softtouch and ensures the good operability.

[0091] Conversion of the pressing force generated by the pressingoperation of the operation button 63 into the tensile force of pullingthe inner cable 71 by means of the button unit 60 enables the thinflexible inner cable 71 to be laid out over a long distance withoutcausing any buckle. The operation button 63 may thus be located at aposition apart from the flush valve body 22. This desirably increasesthe degree of freedom in positioning of the operation button 63. Forexample, the operation button 63 may be located on a lateral side of theflush toilet 10. This arrangement enables the user to wash the flushtoilet 10 without turning around, thus ensuring the enhancedoperability.

[0092] The means for activating the washing operation is the push-typeoperation button 63. The operating element 63 a of the operation button63 is extended only slightly from the bathroom wall, while theconventional operating lever is extended to a significant height. Thisstructure prevents the operation button 63 from being readily damageddue to frequent, rough actions.

[0093] The flush valve device 20, except the operation button 63 of thebutton unit 60, is concealed in the cabinet 18 or in the bathroom wall.This arrangement effectively prevents the untidiness in the periphery ofthe flush toilet 10 and ensures the favorable appearance of the flushtoilet 10 and its periphery.

B. Second Embodiment

[0094]FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating a flush valve device 100 in asecond embodiment. The flush valve device 100 includes a wall fixationframe 110 that is attached to a fixation recess WLa formed in a bathroomwall WL (partition wall) and defines an inspection opening 114, a coverpanel 120 that is detachably attached to a front face of the wallfixation frame 110, a flush valve body 141 that is disposed in a rearspace of the bathroom wall WL, and a valve actuation unit 160 thatfunctions to open and close the flush valve body 141. The valveactuation unit 160 has an auto water flow mechanism 161 activated by abuilt-in sensor and a manual operation unit 170 activated by manualoperations. The manual operation unit 170 includes a button unit 171, atilting mechanism 180, and a cable mechanism 190.

[0095] In response to a detection of a detachment action of the humanbody by the built-in sensor of the auto water flow mechanism 161, theflush valve body 141 is opened to flow a supply of washing water. Inresponse to a manual operation of the button unit 171 of the manualoperation unit 170, on the other hand, the tilting mechanism 180 isdriven via the cable mechanism 190 to open the flush valve body 141 andflow a supply of washing water.

[0096] The flush valve body 141 and the valve actuation unit 160 aredisposed in the inner space of the bathroom wall WL or attached to thewall fixation frame 110 and are readily accessible for maintenance onlyby removal of the cover panel 120. The respective constituents arediscussed in detail:

(1) WALL FIXATION FRAME 110

[0097]FIG. 9 is a front view illustrating the flush valve device 100 inthe state of detachment of the cover panel 120. The wall fixation frame110 is integrally made of a resin and has a rectangular frame assembly111. The frame assembly 111 has a lower frame 112L, an upper frame 112U,and left and right vertical frames 113,113 to surround the inspectionopening 114. The flush valve body 141 and the valve actuation unit 160are located in the inner space of the inspection opening 114.

[0098] The wall fixation frame 110 is fixed to the bathroom wall WL withframe clamps 131 at four fixtures 115. FIG. 10 is a perspective viewillustrating the wall fixation frame 110 prior to attachment to thebathroom wall WL by means of the frame clamps 131. Each of the fixtures115 has a front fixture element 115 a protruded from the vertical frame113 toward the center of the wall fixation frame 110 and a side fixtureelement 115 b extended from the base of the front fixture element 115 atoward the side face of the vertical frame 113. A fixture recess 115 cis formed in the front face of the front fixture element 115 a to theside fixture element 115 b to position the frame clamp 131. A notch 115d is formed on a lateral end of the side fixture element 115 b. A nutreceptor 115 e is formed in the rear face of the front fixture element115 a to hold a nut 115 f therein.

[0099] The frame clamp 131 has a front piece 131 a and a side piece 131b to be formed in an L shape. A slot 131 c is formed in the front piece131 a, and a circular aperture 131 d is formed in the side piece 131 b.

[0100]FIG. 11 is a sectional view illustrating the wall fixation frame110 attached to a side wall WLb of the bathroom wall WL by means of theframe clamps 131. As shown in FIG. 11(A), the procedure of attaching thewall fixation frame 110 to the bathroom wall WL sets the frame clamp 131in the fixture recess 115 c of the fixture 115 and temporarily andloosely holds a screw 131 f with the nut 115 f in the slot 131 c. Theprocedure then drives another screw 131 g into the circular aperture 131d, so as to fix the frame clamp 131 to the side wall WLb. Since thenotch 115 d is formed in a side wall 113 a of the vertical frame 113,the screw 131 g does not excessively press the side wall 113 a but makesthe fixture 115 directly pressed against the bathroom wall WL. Here theframe clamp 131 is temporarily held with the screw 131 f and is movablealong the slot 131 c to an optimum position. The screw 131 f istightened when the frame clamp 131 comes into close contact with theside wall WLb.

[0101] In the example of FIG. 11(B), the distance between the wallfixation frame 110 and the side wall WLb is expanded from L1 in FIG.11(A) to L2, due to a dimensional error of the wall fixation frame 110and a working error of the bathroom wall WL. Even in such a case, theframe clamp 131 can be attached closely to the side wall WLb by slidingthe frame clamp 131 relative to the wall fixation frame 110 and changingthe fastening position of the screw 131 f along the slot 131 c. Even ifthe bathroom wall WL has some working error, the wall fixation frame 110made of resin is not damaged by application of an excessive force in thecourse of attachment.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 9, a button mounting bracket 118 and a batterymounting bracket 119 are disposed on the lower portion of the wallfixation frame 110. The button unit 171 of the manual operation unit 170is mounted on the button mounting bracket 118, and a battery box 167 isdetachably mounted on the battery mounting bracket 119. The structuresof the button mounting bracket 118 and the battery mounting bracket 119,as well as those of the manual operation unit 170 and the battery box167 will be discussed later.

(2) STRUCTURE AND ATTACHMENT OF COVER PANEL 120

[0103]FIG. 12 is a front view illustrating the flush valve device 100.The cover panel 120 is a stainless steel plate and is attached to thewall fixation frame 110 to be in plane with the bathroom wall WL. Thecover panel 120 has a sensor opening 121 to receive a body detectionsensor 162 set therein and a button opening 122 to allow access to thebutton unit 171.

[0104] The cover panel 120 is attached to four corners of the wallfixation frame 110 by means of Phillips head screws 130, each passingthrough a screwed through hole 124. The Phillips head screws 130 are inplane with the surface of the cover panel 120 to ensure the good designeffects.

[0105]FIG. 13 is a sectional view illustrating the cover panel 120 fixedto a nut fixation assembly 116 by means of the Phillips head screws 130.FIG. 14 is a view seen from the direction of an arrow 14 in FIG. 13.Each of the Phillips head screws 130 is fastened with a nut 116 areceived in the nut fixation assembly 116. The nut fixation assembly 116is constructed as discussed below to facilitate attachment of the coverpanel 120 even when the wall fixation frame 110 has some dimensionalerror due to shrinkage of the resin.

[0106] The nut fixation assembly 116 includes a support wall 116 d todefine a nut recess 116 c to receive the nut 116 a set therein and asealing cover 116 f. The nut recess 116 c is formed as a space forreceiving the nut 116 a therein with a slightly movable allowance. Arecess 116 g to be filled with an adhesive is formed in an opening faceof the support wall 116 d. A notch 116 h is formed at an outer corner ofthe support wall 116 d to be extended from the recess 116 g.

[0107] The nut 116 a is set in the nut recess 116 c, and the sealingcover 116 f is bonded via the adhesive in the recess 116 g. Thisstructure effectively prevents the nut 116 a from dropping off the coverpanel 120. The presence of the notch 116 h formed in the support wall116 d causes the adhesive in the recess 116 g not to enter the nutrecess 116 c but to be flown out through the recess 116 g. The nut 116 ais accordingly neither made unmovable nor fixed at an undesirableposition by the adhesive. The nut 116 a has an opening taper 116 b of anincreasing diameter to facilitate insertion of the Phillips head screw130. The opening taper 116 b forms a slope to guide the end of the nut116 a, which is movable in the nut recess 116 c.

[0108] In this structure of the nut fixation assembly 116, the nut 116 ais received in the nut recess 116 c with some allowance, so that nut 116a is movable in the nut recess 116 c prior to fastening of the Phillipshead screw 130 with the nut 116 a. Even if the wall fixation frame 110has a significant dimensional error due to shrinkage of the resin, thestructure of the nut fixation assembly 116 desirably absorbs thedimensional error and facilitates positioning of the nut fixationassembly 116 relative to the screwed through hole 124 of the metal coverpanel 120.

[0109]FIG. 15 is a side view illustrating the cover panel 120 in itsopen position. The cover panel 120 is temporarily held on the wallfixation frame 110 by panel stoppers 126,126 and a chain 133. The panelstoppers 126,126 are mounted on both sides in the lower portion of therear face of the cover panel 120. Each of the panel stoppers 126 has abase 126 a welded to the rear face of the cover panel 120 and a catch126 b extended from the base 126 a to an L shape. The end of the catch126 b is hooked on the lower frame 112L.

[0110] The chain 133 is hooked in a chain mounting bracket 123 attachedto the rear race of the cover panel 120 with a clip 133 a on one endthereof, while being hooked in a mounting hole 112Ua on the upperportion of the wall fixation frame 110 with a clip 133 b on the otherside.

[0111] The cover panel 120 is thus supported on its lower portion by thepanel stoppers 126 and is hung by the chain 133, so as to be attached inan inclined state to the wall fixation frame 110.

(3) STRUCTURE AND OPERATIONS OF FLUSH VALVE BODY 141

[0112]FIG. 16 is a sectional view illustrating the flush valve body 141.The flush valve body 141 has the construction mostly similar to that ofthe first embodiment, except that the flush valve body 141 has an on-offsolenoid valve 150, in addition to a structure driven by the manualoperation unit 170. The flush valve body 141 has a main valve 143 thatis disposed in a casing 142 and is seated on and released from a valveseat 142 c formed between a primary water conduit 142 a and a secondarywater conduit 142 b, a pilot valve 144 that regulates water in a backpressure chamber 142 d parted by the main valve 143, and the on-offsolenoid valve 150 attached to an upper lateral side of the casing 142.The flow of water from the back pressure chamber 142 d of the main valve143 is supplied as washing water and stopped, in response to opening andclosing operations of the on-off solenoid valve 150 or in response to anaction of inclining a driving rod 143 a of the main valve 143 and anaction of restoring the driving rod 143 a to its upright position. Afilter (not shown) is disposed in the primary water conduit 142 a of theflush valve body 141 and is accessible for maintenance by detachment ofa cover member 142 g of the casing 142, the main valve 143, and thepilot valve 144.

[0113]FIG. 17 is a sectional view illustrating the on-off solenoid valve150. The on-off solenoid valve 150 is received in a casing 151 andincludes an actuation module 152 and a diaphragm valve plug 153. Theactuation module 152 has a magnet coil 152 a, a plunger 152 b driven upand down by excitation of the magnet coil 152 a, and a spring 152 cpressing the plunger 152 b downward in the drawing. The diaphragm valveplug 153 has a diaphragm 153 a fixed on one end of the casing 151 and adiaphragm support element 153 b supporting a central portion of thediaphragm 153 a, and defines a pressure chamber 154. A communicationhole 153 f is formed at the center of the diaphragm support element 153b to communicate the pressure chamber 154 with the secondary waterconduit 142 b. One opening of the communication hole 153 f is arrangedto be opened and closed by an end of the plunger 152 b. A small aperture153 g is formed in an outer periphery of the diaphragm 153 a to connectthe pressure chamber 154 with the back pressure chamber 142 d of theflush valve body 141.

[0114] The opening and closing operations of the on-off solenoid valve150 are described. When an opening signal is transmitted to theactuation module 152, the plunger 152 b is driven up against thepressing force of the spring 152 c. The water in the pressure chamber154 then flows out through the communication hole 153 f of the diaphragmsupport element 153 b, so that the diaphragm 153 a is lifted up by thewater pressure from the back pressure chamber 142 d of the flush valvebody 141. The water in the back pressure chamber 142 d of the flushvalve body 141 is accordingly drained to the secondary water conduit 142b. Drainage of the water in the back pressure chamber 142 d results inopening the flush valve body 141 shown in FIG. 16. When a closing signalis transmitted from a valve driving circuit 164 to the actuation module152, on the contrary, the plunger 152 b of the actuation module 152 isdriven down to reduce the flow path area of the communication hole 153f. The inner pressure of the pressure chamber 154 then graduallyincreases to lower the diaphragm valve plug 153. When the pressuresapplied on both faces of the diaphragm 153 a are balanced, the diaphragmvalve plug 153 is shut to heighten the pressure in the back pressurechamber 142 d. This closes the flush valve body 141.

(4) VALVE ACTUATION UNIT 160

[0115] As shown in FIG. 8, the valve actuation unit 160 includes theauto water flow mechanism 161 and the manual operation unit 170.

(4)-A. Auto Water Flow Mechanism 161

[0116]FIG. 18 shows the auto water flow mechanism 161 attached to theupper rear face of the cover panel 120. The auto water flow mechanism161 includes the body detection sensor 162, a valve driving circuit 164integrated with the body detection sensor 162, and a power source 166supplying electric power to the body detection sensor 162 and the valvedriving circuit 164. The body detection sensor 162 is attached to therear face of the cover panel 120 and has a sensing plane 162 a exposedto the sensor opening 121. The sensing plane 162 a is arranged in asuitable direction for sensing the body. A detection signal of the bodydetection sensor 162 is transmitted to the valve driving circuit 164 andis then sent from the valve driving circuit 164 to the actuation module152 of the on-off solenoid valve 150 via a lead 162 b. The power source166 has the battery box 167 to receive four AA batteries therein. Thebattery box 167 is detachably mounted on the battery mounting bracket119.

(4)-B1. Manual Operation Unit 170

[0117]FIG. 19 is a horizontal sectional view illustrating the peripheryof the button unit 171 of the manual operation unit 170. FIG. 20 is avertical sectional view illustrating the button unit 171. FIG. 21 is asectional view showing the button unit 171 of FIG. 19 prior toattachment to the button mounting bracket 118. FIG. 22 is a sectionalview showing the button unit 171 of FIG. 19 in a pressed state. As shownin FIG. 19, the button unit 171 is mounted on the button mountingbracket 118 of the wall fixation frame 110 and includes an operationbutton 172, a button support member 173, a spring 174, a support fitting175, and a rotary member 176.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 21, the operation button 172 has an ellipticaloperating element 172 a having an outer surface functioning as anoperating face 172 b. The operating element 172 a is formed in a longoval shape to ensure the good design effects, and has a concave curvearound the shape of a finger to ensure the favorable operability. Acylindrical projection 172 c is protruded from the rear face of theoperating element 172 a. A slit 172 d and a catch 172 e (see FIG. 20)are formed on the end of the cylindrical projection 172 c. A centerpressing element 172 f is protruded from the center of the rear face ofthe operating element 127 a to pass through the cylindrical projection172 c.

[0119] The button support member 173 is mounted on the button mountingbracket 118 of the wall fixation frame 110, supports the operationbutton 172 in such a manner as to allow a pressing operation, and has aguide body 173 a. The guide body 173 a has a flange 173 b formed aroundits outer circumference and is fixed to the button mounting bracket 118by means of fixing screws 173 g. A sliding aperture 173 c is formed inthe guide body 173 a to support the operating element 172 a in aslidable manner. A guide element 173 d is formed on the end of thebutton support member 173. The guide element 173 d has a guide cylinder173 e with a guide aperture 173 f, which guides the cylindricalprojection 172 c in a slidable manner. The cylindrical projection 172 ccontracts its diameter at the slit 172 d and rides over the catch 172 e,so as to be pressed into the guide aperture 173 f and be supported inthe guide aperture 173 f in a slidable manner.

[0120] The spring 174 is spanned between the operating element 172 a andthe guide element 173 d to press the operation button 172 in theprotruding direction (forward). The operation button 172 pressed by thespring 174 is fastened to the button support member 173 by means of thecatch 172 e.

[0121] The support fitting 175 is an L-shaped fixture fixed to the endof the button support member 173 to support the rotary member 176 in apivotally rotatable manner. The rotary member 176 has two substantiallytriangular plates, which face each other and are integrated with eachother, and is attached on its base 176 a to the support fitting 175 tobe pivotally rotatable about a pivot 176 c. One end of the rotary member176 forms a pressure end 176 b, which is pressed by the center pressingelement 172 f.

[0122] In the manual operation unit 170, a push of the operating element172 a of the operation button 172 presses in the operating element 172 aagainst the pressing force of the spring 174, so as to make the end ofthe center pressing element 172 f rotate the rotary member 176 about thepivot 176 c.

[0123] As described previously, the manual operation unit 170 is mountedon the button mounting bracket 118 of the wall fixation frame 110. Thebutton mounting bracket 118 is protruded upward from the center of theupper frame 112U and has a fixing aperture 118 b for fixing the buttonsupport member 173. The fixing aperture 118 b has multiple fixationprojections 118 c formed along the inner circumferential wall thereof.When the button support member 173 with the operation button 172incorporated therein is inserted into the fixing aperture 118 b, themultiple fixation projections 118 c are pressed by the outer face of thebutton support member 173 and are elastically deformed, so that thebutton support member 173 is positioned on the button mounting bracket118. The button support member 173 is fixed to the button mountingbracket 118 by means of the fixing screws 173 g.

(4)-B2. Structure of Tilting Mechanism 180

[0124]FIG. 23 is a sectional view illustrating the tilting mechanism 180and its periphery. FIG. 24 is a sectional view illustrating the tiltingmechanism 180 in a pressed state. The tilting mechanism 180 includes afitting member 181, a pressure bar 182, an inner cap 183, a gasket 184,a spring 185, a support member 186, a support fixture 187, and arotating member 188.

[0125] The fitting member 181 is fixed to a side opening 142 f of thecasing 142 via an O ring for sealing. A flange 181 d is fixed to thecasing 142 by means of a fixation screw 181 f, while an insertionfixation element 181 b is inserted into the side opening 142 f. Afitting through hole 181 a is formed on the axial center of the fittingmember 181, and the pressure bar 182 is set in the fitting through hole181 a in a slidable manner. The pressure bar 182 has a pressing element182 a and a driving element 182 b, which are joined and integrated witheach other by means of a screw. One end of the pressing element 182 a,which comes into contact with the rotating member 188, is formed to havea hemispherical shape and convert the pressing force of the rotatingmember 188 into a moving force in the axial direction. One end of thedriving element 182 b is arranged to incline the driving rod 143 a fromits lateral side. A stopper pin 182 c passes through the pressure bar182 perpendicularly to its axial direction to fasten the pressure bar182.

[0126] The inner cap 183 is set on a screwed element 181 c to beattached to the insertion fixation element 181 b of the fitting member181. The gasket 184 is placed in the inner cap 183 and is held by thesupport member 186. The gasket 184 seals the outer circumferential faceof the pressure bar 182.

[0127] The support fixture 187 and the rotating member 188 have theshapes similar to those of the support fitting 175 and the rotary member176 shown in FIG. 19. The support fixture 187 is fixed to the peripheryof the side opening 142 f of the casing 142 and supports the rotatingmember 188 to be pivotally rotatable about a pivot 188 c. One end of therotating member 188 forms a pressure end 188 b to press the pressure bar182. Pivotal rotation of the rotating member 188 presses the pressurebar 182, which then moves against the pressing force of the spring 185to open the flush valve body 141 as shown in FIG. 24.

(4)-B3. Structure of Cable Mechanism 190

[0128] The cable mechanism 190 includes an inner cable 191 and an outercable 192. The inner cable 191 is made of a flexible wire and is set inthe inspection opening 114 to surround the flush valve body 141. One endof the inner cable 191 is coupled with the rotary member 176 of themanual operation unit 170 shown in FIG. 19, and the other end is coupledwith the rotating member 188 of the tilting mechanism 180 shown in FIG.23. The two ends of the outer cable 192 are respectively fixed to thesupport fitting 175 and the support fixture 187 by means of cable fixingbrackets 193,193.

(5) WASHING OPERATIONS

[0129] The following discusses washing operations. There are twodifferent types of washing operations; automatic actuation of the flushvalve body 141 by the body detection sensor 162 and manual actuation ofthe flush valve body 141 by the valve actuation unit 160, for example,in the case of malfunction of the body detection sensor 162.

(5)-A. Washing Operation by Body Detection Sensor 162

[0130] Referring to FIG. 18, when the body detection sensor 162 detectsthe human body, a detection signal is transmitted from the bodydetection sensor 162 to the valve driving circuit 164 and further to theactuation module 152 of the on-off solenoid valve 150. In response tothe detection signal, the water in the back pressure chamber 142 d ofthe flush valve body 141 is drained to open the flush valve body 141.

(5)-B. Manual Washing Operation

[0131] Referring to FIG. 19, a push of the operating element 172 a ofthe operation button 172 presses in the operating element 172 a againstthe pressing force of the spring 174 and makes the center pressingelement 172 f press the pressure end 176 b of the rotary member 176. Therotary member 176 accordingly rotates about the pivot 176 c to pull theinner cable 191 (the state of FIG. 22). When the inner cable 191 ispulled, the rotating member 188 of the tilting mechanism 180 rotatesabout the pivot 188 c as shown in FIG. 24. The pressure end 188 b of therotating member 188 accordingly presses the pressure bar 182 against thepressing force of the spring 185. In response to the movement of thepressure bar 182, the driving element 182 b presses the driving rod 143a of the flush valve body 141 to open the flush valve body 141.

(6) MAINTENANCE FLUSH VALVE DEVICE 100

[0132] For the purpose of maintenance of the flush valve device 100, thecover panel 120 is detached from the wall fixation frame 110 as shown inFIG. 9. The procedure takes off the Phillips head screws 130 and pullsthe upper portion of the cover panel 120 down as shown in FIG. 15. Herethe cover panel 120 is temporarily held through engagement of the panelstoppers 126,126 with the lower frame 112L. The procedure thendisconnects the leads 162 b and 164 a at their connectors and lifts upthe cover panel 120 to release the engagement of the panel stoppers126,126 with the lower frame 112L and thereby open the inspectionopening 114. The flush valve body 141 shown in FIG. 9 is accessiblethrough the inspection opening 114 for maintenance.

[0133] In the structure of the flush valve device 100, the manualoperation unit 170 is fixed to the wall fixation unit 110. Maintenanceis attained by removal of only the cover panel 120, while the manualoperation unit 170 is coupled with the flush valve body 141. Thisarrangement ensures the good operability.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 16, the pressure bar 182 of the tiltingmechanism 180 is located on the lateral side of the driving rod 143 aacross a preset interval. At the time of maintenance, for example,replacement or cleaning of the filter in the flush valve body 141, thisstructure enables the pilot valve 144 and the main valve 143 to bereadily detached after removal of the cover member 142 g of the flushvalve body 141. No troublesome work like detachment and decomposition ofthe tilting mechanism 180 is required for the maintenance. Thisstructure thus ensures the favorable operability.

(7) MODIFIED EXAMPLES OF TILTING MECHANISM

[0135]FIGS. 25 through 28 show three modified examples of the tiltingmechanism. These modified structures of the tilting mechanism areapplicable according to the structure of the flush valve body and thelayout of the operation button.

(7)-1. Modified Example 1

[0136] A tilting mechanism 180B shown in FIG. 25 includes a supportfixture 187B and a pivot lever 188B (pressing force conversion member)supported on one end of the support fixture 187B in a pivotallyrotatable manner. The inner cable 191 is linked with the other end ofthe pivot lever 188B. In response to a pull of the inner cable 191 inthe direction of an open arrow, the pivot lever 188B rotates about apivot 188Bc to press the pressure bar 182.

(7)-2. Modified Example 2

[0137] A tilting mechanism 180C shown in FIG. 26 has a guide 187Cprotruded from a fitting member 181C and a coupling plate 188C. Theguide 187C passes through one end of the disc-shaped coupling plate188C, while the inner cable 191 is linked with the other end of thecoupling plate 188C. In response to a pull of the inner cable 191 in thedirection of an open arrow, the coupling plate 188C is guided along theguide 187C to press the pressure bar 182 while keeping the parallelattitude.

(7)-3. Modified Example 3

[0138] A tilting mechanism 180D shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 has a supportfixture 187D and a swing lever 188D. The swing lever 188D has a base188Da on one end, which is supported in a fitting member 181D in such amanner as to allow a swinging movement. The other end of the swing lever188D is linked with the inner cable 191. In response to a pull of theinner cable 191 in the state of FIG. 27 in a direction of an open arrow,the swing lever 188D swings to press the pressure bar 182D as shown inFIG. 28.

C. Third Embodiment

[0139]FIG. 29 is a front view illustrating a flush valve device 100E ina third embodiment. FIG. 30 is a side view illustrating the flush valvedevice 100E. The flush valve device 100E has a flush valve body 141Elocated in a rear space of a bathroom wall WL and is accessible formaintenance from the rear side of the bathroom wall WL. The flush valvedevice 100E includes a wall fixation frame 110E, a cover panel 120E, anda valve actuation unit 160E, in addition to the flush valve body 141E.The wall fixation frame 110E and the cover panel 120E are used toarrange a body detection sensor 162E and a button unit 171E of a manualoperation unit 170E.

[0140]FIG. 31 is a sectional view illustrating the periphery of the wallfixation frame 110E. The wall fixation frame 110E includes a front frame111E and a rear support plate 112E. The front frame 111E and the rearsupport plate 112E are fixed to the bathroom wall WL by means ofclamping members 113E of bolts and nuts and screws 114E. The bodydetection sensor 162E and its driving circuit are mounted on the wallfixation frame 110E. Fixing magnets 115E,115E (see FIG. 30) are set onthe upper portion and the lower portion of the front frame 111E to drawthe cover panel 120E, so that the cover panel 120E is attached to thewall fixation frame 110E. The cover panel 120E is detachable from thewall fixation frame 110E with a suction disc or another suitable tool.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 30, the flush valve body 141E is located in therear space of the bathroom wall WL, and the valve actuation unit 160Efunctions to open and close the flush valve body 141E. Like the secondembodiment, the valve actuation unit 160E includes an auto water flowmechanism 161E driven by outputs of the body detection sensor 162E and amanual operation unit 170E. The manual operation unit 170E has a buttonunit 171E, a tilting mechanism 180E, and a cable mechanism 190E. Thebutton unit 171E is fixed to the wall fixation frame 110E.

[0142] In the flush valve device 100E of this embodiment, the buttonunit 171E is fixed to the wall fixation frame 110E, while the coverpanel 120E is detachable. This structure facilitates inspection of thebody detection sensor 162E and its driving circuit. The body detectionsensor 162E and its driving circuit may be mounted on the cover panel120E, instead of the wall fixation frame 110E, as long as no troublearises in the course of attachment and detachment of the cover panel120E.

[0143] No screws are used for attachment of the cover panel 120E to thewall fixation frame 110E. A special tool like a suction disk is requiredfor detachment of the cover panel 120E. This structure effectivelyprevents the cover panel 120E from being detached accidentally orpurposefully with no needs, which may cause a failure.

[0144] The button unit 171E is fixed to the wall fixation frame 110E, sothat the protrusion from the cover panel 120E is desirably shortened.This structure effectively prevents the cover panel 120E frominterfering with the pressing action of the finger on the operationbutton 172E of the button unit 171E and does not cause any largeexternal force to be applied from the finger to the operation button172E. This structure effectively prevents the cover panel 120E frombeing detached accidentally.

[0145] The flush valve body 141E is connectable with the operationbutton 172E via the cable mechanism 190E. The operation button 172E maythus be located at a position apart from the wall fixation frame 110E.This desirably increases the degree of freedom in positioning of theoperation button 172E.

[0146] The above embodiments and their modified examples are to beconsidered in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive. There maybe many modifications, changes, and alterations without departing fromthe scope or spirit of the main characteristics of the presentinvention. Some examples of possible modification are given below.

[0147] (1) The flush valve body 22 is placed in the cabinet 18 in theabove embodiment, but may be set in another place, for example, in a boxbuilt in the wall.

[0148] (2) In the above embodiment, the operation button is located onthe lateral side of the toilet body, while the flush valve body islocated on the rear side of the toilet body. This layout is, however,not restrictive at all, and their locations may be exchanged. Neitherthe layout nor the length of the flexible transmission member (innercable) is restricted, as long as the layout and the length ensuretransmission of the force.

[0149] (3) The body detection sensor 162 and the valve driving circuit164 are attached to the cover panel 120 in the above embodiment, but maybe attached to the upper portion of the wall fixation frame 110. Thisarrangement further facilitates attachment and detachment of the coverpanel 120.

Industrial Applicability

[0150] The technique of the present invention is applicable to a flushvalve device, which is used to flush a supply of washing water into aflush toilet.

1. A flush valve device of a flush toilet, the flush valve devicecomprising: a flush valve body having: a main valve that is disposed ina main water conduit to open and close the main water conduit; a pilotvalve that presses the main valve in a closing direction and parts aback pressure chamber; and a driving rod that is attached to the pilotvalve, where the driving rod is inclined to lower water pressure in theback pressure chamber and thereby open the main valve; and a manualoperation unit that functions to open the pilot valve, wherein a supplyof washing water is flown into a toilet bowl in response to an operationof the manual operation unit, and the manual operation unit comprises: aflexible transmission member; an operation button that is pushed up anddown in response to a pressing operation; an operating force conversionmechanism that is coupled with one end of the transmission member andconverts an operating force generated by a pressing operation of theoperation button into a tensile force of pulling the transmissionmember; and a tilting mechanism that is coupled with the other end ofthe transmission member and moves to incline the driving rod in responseto a pull of the transmission member.
 2. A flush valve device of a flushtoilet in accordance with claim 1, wherein whole or part of thetransmission member comprises a wire that is bendable and transmits theoperating force in a bended state.
 3. A flush valve device of a flushtoilet in accordance with claim 2, wherein the wire is made of a metal.4. A flush valve device of a flush toilet in accordance with claim 3,wherein the transmission member is coated with a cover member thatsupports the transmission member in a slidable manner.
 5. A flush valvedevice of a flush toilet in accordance with claim 2, wherein theoperation button and the flush valve body are arranged substantiallyperpendicular to a center of the flush toilet, and the transmissionmember is bent and arranged at substantially right angles to couple theoperation button with the flush valve body.
 6. A flush valve device of aflush toilet in accordance with claim 1, wherein the operating forceconversion mechanism comprises a spring that restores the operationbutton, which has been subjected to the pressing operation, to anoriginal position thereof.
 7. A flush valve device of a flush toilet inaccordance with claim 6, wherein the operating force conversionmechanism comprises a slide member that pulls the transmission member ina sliding direction, the slide member having an inclined plane toconvert the operating force of the operation button into a moving forcein a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of theoperating force.
 8. A flush valve device of a flush toilet in accordancewith claim 1, wherein the tilting mechanism comprises an engagementmember that engages with the driving rod and thereby inclines thedriving rod in response to a pull of the transmission member.
 9. A flushvalve device of a flush toilet in accordance with claim 8, wherein thetilting mechanism comprises a spring that presses a pressure bar againsta moving force of the pressure bar in response to a pull of thetransmission member and restores the pressure bar to an originalposition thereof when the tensile force is released.
 10. A flush valvedevice of a flush toilet in accordance with claim 1, wherein the tiltingmechanism comprises: a pressure bar that presses and thereby inclinesthe driving rod; and a pressing force conversion member that converts atensile force of the transmission member into a force of pressing thedriving rod.
 11. A flush valve device of a flush toilet in accordancewith claim 10, wherein the tilting mechanism comprises a spring thatpresses the pressure bar against a moving force of the pressure bar inresponse to a pull of the transmission member and restores the pressurebar to an original position thereof when the tensile force is released.12. A flush valve device of a flush toilet in accordance with claim 11,wherein the tilting mechanism comprises a rotary member that has one endsupported on a valve body in a pivotally rotatable manner and the otherend coupled with the transmission member and applies a pressing force tothe pressure bar in response to a tensile force of the transmissionmember.
 13. A flush valve device of a flush toilet in accordance withclaim 11, wherein the tilting mechanism comprises a coupling board thatis arranged to move in parallel in an identical direction with aforward-backward moving direction of the pressure bar and applies apressing force to the pressure bar in response to a tensile force of thetransmission member.
 14. A flush valve device of a flush toilet inaccordance with claim 11, wherein the tilting mechanism comprises aswing lever that has one end supported on a valve body in a swingingmanner and the other end coupled with the transmission member andapplies a pressing force to the pressure bar in response to a tensileforce of the transmission member.
 15. A flush valve device of a flushtoilet in accordance with claim 1, wherein the tilting mechanism isconfigured such that the main valve and the pilot valve is removablefrom the flush valve member while the tilting mechanism is attached tothe flush valve member.
 16. A flush valve device of a flush toilet inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the operation button subjected to thepressing operation has an operating face that is formed to a concavecurve around the shape of a finger.
 17. A flush valve device of a flushtoilet in accordance with claim 1, the flush valve device furthercomprising: a partition wall that is arranged to face a bathroom acrossa space for receiving the flush valve body therein; a wall fixationframe to be mounted on the partition wall; and a cover panel attached tothe wall fixation frame to face the bathroom, wherein the manualoperation unit is fixed to the wall fixation frame.
 18. A flush valvedevice of a flush toilet in accordance with claim 17, wherein thepartition wall is a bathroom wall surrounding the bathroom.
 19. A flushvalve device of a flush toilet in accordance with claim 17, wherein thepartition wall is a side wall of a cabinet located in the bathroom. 20.A flush valve device of a flush toilet in accordance with claim 18,wherein the wall fixation frame comprises an inspection opening that isused for inspection of the flush valve body.
 21. A flush valve device ofa flush toilet in accordance with claim 20, wherein the wall fixationframe is made of a resin.
 22. A flush valve device of a flush toilet inaccordance with claim 21, wherein the cover panel is attached to thewall fixation frame by means of magnetic force.
 23. A flush valve deviceof a flush toilet in accordance with claim 17, the flush valve devicefurther comprising: an auto water flow mechanism that detects a humanbody with a sensor to actuate the flush valve body.
 24. A flush valvedevice of a flush toilet in accordance with claim 17, wherein thepartition wall has fixation walls facing each other across a presetinterval, the wall fixation frame has a substantially rectangular frameassembly including fixation frames arranged along the fixation walls andjoint frames for joining the fixation frames with each other, an openingdefined by the frame assembly, and fixtures formed on the fixationframes, the flush valve device further comprising: frame clamps, each ofwhich has a front piece and a side piece to be formed in an L shape andis used to fix the wall fixation frame to the fixation wall; firstfasteners, each of which is used to fix the front piece to the fixtureat a changeable fixation position along the fixation wall; and secondfasteners, each of which is used to fix the side piece close to thefixation wall.
 25. A flush valve device of a flush toilet in accordancewith claim 24, wherein each of the fixation frames has a notch in aperiphery of the fixture to prevent engagement of the second fastenerwith the fixation frame and to allow direct attachment of the secondfastener to the fixation wall.
 26. A flush valve device of a flushtoilet in accordance with claim 25, wherein each of the fixtures has afixation recess to slidably position the frame clamp.
 27. A flush valvedevice of a flush toilet in accordance with claim 24, wherein each ofthe first fasteners has a screw and nut used to fix the frame clamp tothe fixture, and each of the frame clamps has a slot that the firstfastener passes through and is used to change the fixation position. 28.A flush valve device of a flush toilet in accordance with claim 24,wherein each of the second fasteners has a screw that is screwed in thefixation wall.